From the rise, Batu studied the eastern bank and measured the result of the reeds' operation.
The reeds and willow stand were gone. In their place stretched a continuous front of smoke and fire. When the flames had first taken hold, the smoke had risen from the waterline in a single, distinct column.
Now the fire had spread across the entire length of the eastern cover. A gray line of smoke marked its progress, with the glow of the flames visible beneath it even in the morning light. The fire had grown large enough that its roar carried to the rise through the constant noise of the battlefield.
The west showed no meaningful change. The forest remained where it had been since the second order. Dorbei's screen continued to hold the forest at a distance, preventing any movement there from becoming an immediate concern.
